As you read, keep all the following suggested topics in mind, and take notes. Then pick one and answer it carefully and concisely. Feel free to consult with fellow students and with your instructor as you prepare the assignments, but the result must be entirely your own. Be particularly careful to avoid plagiarism; you must give references for every idea or quotation you borrow as you construct your argument. See A Student’s Guide to History for the proper way to indicate references. At the head of your paper write the title and your name and staple your sheets together. Your written assignment should be 2-3 typed pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman Font.

The Epic of Gilgamesh should be submitted using the Assignment drop-box

a) “The Search for Immortality”
How does Gilgamesh seek to attain immortality? What experience starts him on his quest? Is he successful? What immortality does Gilgamesh at last acquire?

b) “Nature and Civilization”
Focus on the character Enkidu in order to show the consequences of humanity’s “fall” from a natural wild state into civilization. What is the role of the harlot in Enkidu’s “fall”? What are the attributes of civilization? Is civilization a good thing? Is it inevitably at odds with nature?

c) “The Flood Story”
Compare the flood story in Gilgamesh with that in the book of Genesis. Notice the similarities, but concentrate especially on differences, particularly the difference between the motivation and actions of the Mesopotamian gods and the Hebrew God.

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Category: Essays